And the Local Government Association is asking Facebook to post prominent warnings highlighting the dangers of NekNominate.

Parents are worried about children and young teenagers being forced into downing the drinks through peer pressure.

Lawyers have also warned that those who dare friends to take part may face legal action.

Top solicitor Julian Young warned: “If someone knew what the outcome could be, that it could cause death, there could be a prosecution. It might be manslaughter.”

The game was invented when Ross Samson, a Scots-born rugby player, posted a video of himself drinking a bottle of beer on Christmas Day.

The footage went viral and Ross has tried to distance himself from the scandal.

Five young men have tragically been killed by the craze - Stephen Brooks, 29, from Cardiff; Isaac Richardson, 20, from Woolwich, south-east London; Jonny Byrne, 19, and Ross Cummings, 22, both from Ireland; and Bradley Eames, 20, from Nottingham.